The final 2026 NWT Employer-Driven draw is scheduled for September 25, with approximately 100 Expression of Interest profiles expected to be drawn. Applicants must submit a profile by September 22 at 11:59 p.m. MT to be considered.
How the September selection round will work
Profiles will be ranked by score, and employers of the highest-ranking candidates will be invited to submit a full application. Only invited employers can submit a full application, which will be assessed in the order received.
The Northwest Territories says the Expression of Interest system keeps the program open throughout the year while helping it manage application volumes. Interest in the program exceeds the nomination spaces available.
Previous 2026 draws invited 248 applicants
The first three draws under the new Expression of Interest system took place on March 25, June 25 and August 26, 2026. Across those rounds, 248 top-ranking profiles were selected.
The government reported that 65 applicants were invited after the March draw, 79 after the June draw and 104 after the August draw.
- 119 selected profiles were in the NWT Express Entry category.
- 61 selected profiles were in the Skilled Worker category.
- 68 selected profiles were in the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled category.
Profiles can remain in the pool for up to 12 months
Profiles that are not selected can remain in the pool for up to 12 months from their original submission date and may be considered in later draws. Applicants approaching the 12-month expiry point will receive notification that their application will be withdrawn by a specified date and may submit a new application.
Applicants who need to change a profile must ask the Northwest Territories Nominee Program to withdraw the existing profile before submitting a new one.
Employer-Driven Stream requirements remain unchanged
The Northwest Territories said the mandatory eligibility requirements for the Employer-Driven Stream have not changed. Employers and applicants must meet all requirements before submitting an Expression of Interest profile.
Profiles are scored on skills and experience, connections to the Northwest Territories, and the likelihood that an applicant will settle in the territory. Factors listed by the government include language ability, age, work experience, education, current employment, trade job offers, past NWT work experience, study in the territory and family living there.
The government said 2027 selection rounds will be confirmed later.
Source: gov.nt.ca